Deep (Heavy Hearts Book 2) by Sarah Duncan (reading tree txt) 📕

back then.

I’m quiet throughout dinner, happy to enjoy the discussions between everyone else. I feel out of place, even though I can tell Andrea is trying extra hard to make me feel welcome. I guess I’m just not used to so much happiness or normality going on around me.

I help wash up after dinner, working silently alongside Ayden and Marcus to get the job done, and when I’m about to escape up to my bedroom, I’m dragged into their living room to watch an Aussie Underworld Crime show. As much as I don’t want to sit there and watch it, I do so quietly and watch like the outsider I am, as Marcus and Ayden’s family gets drawn into the TV show.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and at first, I don’t want to be rude and take it out, but when I see Marcus and Ayden take theirs out, I do too. There are multiple messages from the boy's group chat, plus I have an unread message from Rhys. I open that first.

Rhys George

Girl, you are a fucking queen. Like seriously.

Taking Tasha Pritchard down like that must have been so satisfying.

I’ll admit, I’m jealous as hell. But also proud. GO YOU!

Now I’m sorry that you got busted for it because that’s legit sucky, but rumour has it you’ve moved in with Ayden.

You don’t mess around, do you? I’m so proud!!!

Lexi West

I don’t feel like a queen. I feel like a monster.

Tasha deserved something, but not what I did to her.

I’ll be lucky if her parents don’t press charges!

I’m suspended for a week, so you’ll have to endure detention without me.

I hope you’ll survive.

Also, I have NOT moved in with Ayden!

His mum is my temporary guardian, so I have moved into her sister’s house with her, which is Marcus’s house.

Ayden sleeps in the loft garage out the back.

My bedroom here is creepy as fuck! There are dolls, Rhys! Scary fucking dolls!

Rhys George

You are a queen, and I don’t want to hear another word about it!

Don’t beat yourself up about what happened.

Tasha did deserve it! I just wish it had been me doing it!

I’m sure I will survive without you, but don’t be a stranger.

You’re my bestie now, remember. You’re stuck with me!!!

So, how easy is it to sneak out of the house and into Ayden’s loft?

Ooooh, and how far away from your creepy bedroom is Marcus’s room?

Send me a pic of the dolls!!!

Lexi West

You are so weird! But I love you for it!

I am NOT going to sneak into Ayden’s loft. We are not together.

And why do you want to know where Marcus’s bedroom is?

Rhys George

I mean, I’m Rhys George, I’m hard not to love!! You’re only human, Lexi!

$50 says you do end up sneaking into Ayden’s loft.

You know I’m right. Stop trying to deny it.

I want to know where Marcus’s room is so that when I come for a sleepover (because that’s what best friends do), I can sneak out of your room and into his, so I can ride him.

Lexi West

O… K… Thanks for sharing that with me.

Going now.

Rhys George

Going to sneak into Ayden’s loft?

Lexi West

Good night Rhys

Rhys George

<< kissing emoji >>

I look up from my phone to see the boys still on their own phones. Marcus’s dad is asleep in the armchair, and Andrea and Barb are still focused on the TV, so I open the boy’s chat.

Simon Hastings

I heard your mum handed you your arse Aydo.

Shaun Bossier

She handed Marcus his arse too. She’s a MILF!

Marcus Grady

Dude. That’s my Aunt. Gross!

Ayden Mitchell

Keep speaking about my mum like that, Bossi, and you’ll really find out what getting your arse handed to you feels like.

Simon Hastings

Yeah, Bossi. That’s going too far, man!

So Aydo. You got an older sister?

Ayden Mitchell

Fuck off, Hastings!

Jared Crowley

You there, Lexi? Are you okay?

Ayden Mitchell

She’s fine!

Jared Crowley

I wasn’t asking you!

Garrett Cole

I’d like to hear Lexi say she’s okay.

Marcus Grady

She’s busy!

Jared Crowley

Doing what?

Ayden Mitchell

I’ll tell you what she’s not doing! You!

Jared Crowley

Fuck you, arsehole!

Come and say that to my face!

Marcus Grady

He can’t, Jar. He’s busy with Lexi.

Seriously. WTF!

Lexi West

Hey dickheads! Calm down!

I am NOT busy with Ayden. Thank you very much, Marcus!

How about you tell them the truth that we are sitting in your living room watching some TV show with Andrea and Barbara while your dad snores on the couch!

Simon Hastings

Hahahaha, suck shit, arseholes!

Hi Lexi. How’s our girl?

Ayden Mitchell

She’s not your girl! She’s not anyone’s girl!

Jared Crowley

Including yours, bro!

Ayden mutters something and draws Andrea’s attention. “You okay, buddy?”

Ayden looks up to his mum in confusion before realising that he’s not doing a good job at hiding his emotions. I try to hide my smirk, but Marcus catches it.

“Ah, yeah. All good.” Ayden responds to Andrea, who looks at Marcus and me before returning her focus to the TV.

Lexi West

If you losers are going to keep starting shit with each other, then I am removing myself from this group chat! I don’t need this shit! I have enough to deal with!

Jared Crowley

You’re right, Six. Sorry.

When Ayden doesn’t respond in the group, I look up to him, and he mouths, “I’m sorry.”

Jared Crowley

You really not going to apologise, Ayden?

Ayden Mitchell

I did. You just didn’t see it because you’re not in the same room as us.

Fuck me! What the hell is wrong with these guys?

Simon Hastings

LOL burned Crowley!

Jared Crowley

I’m going to bed. But first, Lexi. Please tell us if you’re okay?

No one jumps in this time with crude comments or any banter to stir the pot, so I respond.

Lexi West

I need to apologise to you all. I’ve not been myself. I’ve turned into an angry bitch, and I’ve been acting like a psychopath. I’m sorry that you have had to witness it, and I’m sorry that I dragged you all into my mess. In time, I’ll get my head right. One thing I know is that I’m so lucky to have each one of you in my life.

Good night. I’m going to bed too.

I switch off my screen and slip my phone into my pocket before standing from the